Gemstones

Stones are listed in alphabetical order. Links to information
about American turquoise mines can be
found under the turquoise heading on this page. We will continue to add
more samples of gemstones in the future.

AGATE

Agate is a member of the Chalcedony species. It's distinctive
concentric, banded, shell-like appearance is sometimes enhanced by dying
the stone. The bands within this stone are usually multicolored, consisting
of fine quartz fibers. Some deposits have a variety of strong to soft
color variations like those that had been found in Germany, while others,
like the Brazilian Agate, have naturally dull gray bands for which dying
will create a more dramatic effect. Since the dye will be absorbed with
different intensity, depending on the composition of the bands, it is
very difficult to tell the difference between it and naturally colored
agate, unless the color used rarely appears normally in nature.

Agate is found as a ball or oblong nodule that can
range in size from a fraction of an inch to several yards in circumference.
Initial important deposit finds in Germany have been pretty much worked
out, but reserves remain in Brazil and northern Uruguay. Other deposits
also exist in Australia, China, India, Mexico, Madagascar, Nambia and
the states of Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and Montana in
the United States.

AMAZONITE

This green sodium feldspar has derived it's name from
one of it's origins. Or perhaps it's green color conjured up images of
the lush green forests of the Amazon, but there are deposits taken from
Brazil. This stone can be found in China, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia,
Russia and the state of Colorado and Nevada in the United States.

Amazonite is generally opaque and can be sensitive
to pressure. It is sometimes confused for Chrysoprase, Jade or Serpentine.

AMBER

Chemistry: Approximately C10H16O; Succinic acid.
Class: Mineraloids
Uses: Ornamental stone, gemstone and semi-precious stone.
The Physical Properties of Amber.
Specimens
Amber, or fossil tree sap, was made famous in the movie "Jurassic
Park". Amber is a beautiful stone that is cut and polished and used
as a valuable gemstone. It is also a fossil and can contain many preserved
insects and other animals and plants that are tens of millions of years
old. The odd inclusions that are often seen in amber usually add to amber's
unique look and in many cases greatly increase its value.
The fossils that are encased in amber probably got there when they flew
or crawled on to the fresh seeping sap and then got stuck. The sap oozed
over the trapped animals and perhaps fell to the ground and was later
covered by dirt and debris. The sap later hardened and became a fossil.

The fossils are mostly insects such as gnats, flies,
wasps, bees and ants. Occasionally more exotic insects are trapped in
the amber such as grasshoppers, preying mantises, beetles, moths, termites,
butterflies, etc. Other non-insect animals are found in amber too such
as spiders, centipedes, scorpions and even frogs and lizards. No really
large animals like mammals or birds are seen in amber but feathers and
fur have been seen. Invaluable plant remains have also been found in amber
including flowers, mushroom caps, seeds, leaves, stems, pine needles and
pine cones. The rarity of the trapped fossils controls the value of the
amber more so than the quality of the amber. Remember these are fossils
and are not the same species that are alive today. Amber has greatly increased
the knowledge of the evolution of insects and plants as well as enlivening
the interest in paleontology in general.

Amber is often imitated by plastics, colored glasses
and some modern tree resins. However, its hardness is usually greater
and it is tougher than other resins. Its low specific gravity (amber can
float on salt water) and inclusions can distinguish it from plastics and
glasses.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Color is amber yellow to orange.
Luster is resinous.
Transparency: Transparent to translucent.
Crystal System does not apply because amber is amorphous (meaning it does
not have an ordered structure).
Habits include nodules embedded in shales or sandstones and those that
are washed up on beaches.
Fracture is conchoidal.
Hardness is 2+.
Specific Gravity is approximately 1.1 (extremely light and can float in
salty water).
Streak is white.
Other Characteristics: Can be burned, fluorescent under UV light and is
much tougher (will not crumble as easily) than modern tree resins.
Notable Occurrences include all Baltic countries; Venezuela; Russia; Romania;
Burma; in coal seams in Wyoming, USA and the Dominican Republic.
Best Field Indicators are color, density, toughness, softness and trapped
insects.

AMETHYST

Amethyst, a transparent purple variety of quartz, is
one of the best known and most valuable forms of quartz. The name “amethyst”
comes from the Greek and means “not drunken”. It was once thought to prevent
the wearer from getting drunk and also thought to bring peace of mind.

Amethyst is purple and ranges from light to dark which
is caused by iron or manganese compound impurities in the mineral. Amethyst
comes from many parts of the world and each locality can produce a unique
amethyst to that area or particular mine.

The following is a list of many of the more noteworthy
localities and some of the attributes that characterize the amethyst found
there.

Vera Cruz, Mexico -- very pale, clear, prismatic crystals that are sometimes
double terminated and have grown on a light colored host rock. Crystals
are typically phantomed, having a clear quartz interior and an amethyst
exterior. Some are sceptered and phantomed.

Guerrero, Mexico -- dark, deep purple, prismatic crystals
that radiate outward from a common attachment point. Often the crystals
are phantomed opposite of Vera Cruz amethyst having a purple interior
with a clear or white quartz exterior. These are some of the most valuable
amethysts in the world.

Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul, Bahaia, Brazil
-- crystals form in druzy crusts that line the inside of sometimes large
volcanic rock pockets or "vugs". Some of the vugs form from
trees that were engulfed in a lava flow millions of years ago and have
since withered away. Other vugs are just gas bubbles in the lava. Some
vugs can be quite large. The crystals that form are usually light to medium
in color and only colored at the tops of the crystals. Most clusters form
with gray, white and blue agate and have a green exterior on the vugs.
Calcite sometimes is associated and inclusions of cacoxenite are common.

Maraba, Brazil -- large crystals with unattractive
surfaces that are of a pale to medium color and often carved or cut into
slices.

Thunder Bay, Canada -- a distinct red hematite inclusion
just below the surface of the crystals is unique to this locality. Clusters
are druzy crusts that line the fissures formed in ancient metamorphic
rocks.

Uruguay -- crystals are dark to medium and form in
druzy crusts that line the inside of volcanic vugs that have a gray or
brown exterior. The crystals are usually colored throughout, unlike the
Brazilian crystals, and form with a multicolored agate that often contains
reds, yellows and oranges. Often amethyst- coated stalactites and other
unusual formations occur inside these vugs.

Africa -- crystals are usually large but not attractive.
However, the interior color and clarity are excellent and polished slices
and carvings as well as many gemstones are prized and admired.

Pennsylvania, USA -- druzy clusters that filled fractures
in metamorphic rocks. They are generally a brownish purple and patchy
in color.

Colorado, USA -- druzy clusters form crusts inside
of fissures in sandstone, often on top of a crust of green fluorite. Crystals
are dark but rather small.

Italy -- both Vera Cruz like crystals, although not
as well defined, and large parallel growth clusters with good evenly distributed
color.

Germany -- associated with colorful agates that form
a druzy light-colored crust.
Ural Mountains, Russia -- a very clear and dark variety that is cut for
fine expensive gemstones, natural uncut clusters are rarely on the market.

Ammonites are the fossilized, hard shells of extinct
mollusks that existed from the Paleozoic to the end of the Cretaceous
era. They were abundant in all the oceans. Their closest relative is the
chambered Nautilus from the Pacific and Indian oceans. After millions
of years the original shell is slowly replaced by minerals such as agate
or calcite. Ammonite fossils are found on every continent. They are treasured
for their appearance and form. Some show very intricate suture patterns,
which are created by the complex walls dividing the inside of the shell.

The Navajos and other Native American Indian tribes
carried ammonites in their medicine bags for health and good hunting.
They were called Buffalo stones because of their resemblance to the North
American Bison.

ANYOLITE

Anyolite is a member of the Zoisite species. Usually
opaque rubies occurring within green zoisite rock with black hornblende
inclusions. It's colorful variations make it a beautiful specimen. The
first known discovery was in Tanzania in 1954.

ALEXANDRITE

Alexandrite is a variety of the Chrysoberyl species.
It's name is derived from the Russian Czar, Alexander the 2nd who was
in power when it was discovered in the 1830s. It's color changing properties,
dependant on the light source, are what makes this gemstone unique, and
sought after. Larger specimens show their color changing properties best
and can be very expensive. Sunlight changes it's hue to green, while showing
influences of light red under artificial incandescent light sources.

Although originally discovered in the Urals, that supply
has been essentially depleted. Currently mined from Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka
and most recently from Brazil. Smaller deposits have also been found in
Tanzania, Burma and Madagascar.

Primarily fashioned into faceted gemstones, Alexandrite
can be quite expensive. Chemically identical lab created gems are available,
having the same color changing properties for considerably less cost.
This should not be confused with an artificial gemstone called "Zandrite"
which boasts complete color changing properties, but is essentially a
specially treated glass.

APATITE

Found in many colors, but green is most common. Can
be sensitive to acids. Transparent to somewhat opaque, it has a vitreous
luster.

Chemistry: Ca5(PO4)3(OH,F,Cl), Calcium (Fluoro, Chloro,
Hydroxyl) Phosphate
Class: Phosphates
Group: Apatite
Uses: as a source of phosphorous to be used in fertilizer, rarely as a
gemstone and as a mineral specimen.
Specimens
Apatite is actually three different minerals depending on the predominance
of either fluorine, chlorine or the hydroxyl group. These ions can freely
substitute in the crystal lattice and all three are usually present in
every specimen although some specimens have been close to 100% in one
or the other. The rather non-inventive names of these minerals are Fluorapatite,
Chlorapatite and Hydroxylapatite. The three are usually considered together
due to the difficulty in distinguishing them in hand samples using ordinary
methods.
An irony of the name apatite is that apatite is the mineral that makes
up the teeth in all vertebrate animals as well as their bones. Get it?
Apatite - teeth! Anyway, the name apatite comes from a Greek word meaning
to decieve in allusion to its similarity to other more valuable minerals
such as olivine, peridot and beryl.

Apatite is widely distributed in all rock types; igneous,
sedimentary and metamorphic, but is usually just small disseminated grains
or cryptocrystalline fragments. Large well formed crystals though can
be found in certain contact metamorphic rocks. Very gemmy crystals of
apatite can be cut as gems but the softness of apatite prevents wide distribution
or acceptance of apatite as a gemstone.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Color is typically green but also yellow, blue, reddish brown and purple.
Luster is vitreous to greasy and gumdrop.
Transparency: Crystals are transparent to translucent.
Crystal System is hexagonal; 6/m
Crystal Habits include the typical hexagonal prism with the hexagonal
pyramid or a pinacoid or both as a termination. Also accicular, granular,
reniform and massive. A cryptocrystalline variety is called collophane
and can make up a rock type called phosphorite and also can replace fossil
fragments.
Cleavage is indistinct in one basal direction.
Fracture is conchoidal.
Hardness is 5.
Specific Gravity is approximately 3.1 - 3.2 (average for translucent minerals)
Streak is white.
Associated Minerals are hornblende, micas, nepheline and calcite.
Other Characteristics: An unusual "partially dissolved" look
similar to the look of previously sucked on hard candy.
Notable Occurrences include Durango, Mexico; Bancroft, Ontario; Germany
Brazil, Burma, India, Madagascar, Kenya, Mexico, Norway, South Africa,
Norway, The United States and Russia.

Best Field Indicators are crystal habit, color, hardness and look.

AQUAMARINE - Colorado's State Stone

It's name means "water of the sea" in Latin
because it's color so resembles that of ocean water. Iron creates this
color naturally in this stone, but heating specimens with lower iron content
will bring out the desired color permanently. When overheated though,
it can lead to discoloration. Attempts to improve color with gamma and
neutron irradiation can be done, but the changes aren't permanent. Aquamarine
can make beautiful faceted gemstones, but jewelers must be very careful
when using it for their creations because it can be brittle. It is also
sensitive to pressure. Aquamarine is Colorado's state stone. It is the
birthstone for March.

AVENTURINE QUARTZ

Found primarily in dark green with occasional glittery
metallic inclusions of green mica or gold-brown to red caused by hematite
particles.

Sources are India, Austria, Brazil, Russia and Tanzania.
Used by making into cabochons and carved figurines for jewelry and ornamental
items.

AVENTURINE FELDSPAR - "Sunstone"

Aventurine Feldspar (oligoclase), is opaque with glittery
gold or red inclusions. Rare occurrences of green or blue glitter are
sometimes found. The inclusions causing the sparkle are actually reflections
from minute goethite or hematite platelets.

There are deposits found in India, Madagascar, Norway, Canada, Russia
and the United States. Generally used by forming into cabochons or other
flat surfaces for jewelry.

AZURITE

Chemistry: Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2, Copper Carbonate Hydroxide
Class: Carbonates
Uses: ornamental stone, pigment, minor ore of copper, and jewelry.
Specimens
Azurite is a very popular mineral because of its unparalleled color, a
deep blue called "azure", hence its name. Azure is derived from
the arabic word for blue. The color is due to the presence of copper (a
strong coloring agent), and the way the copper chemically combines with
the carbonate groups (CO3) and hydroxyls (OH). Azurite has been used as
a dye for paints and fabrics for eons. Unfortunately, at times its color
is too deep and larger crystals can appear black. Small crystals and crusts
show the lighter azure color well. Azurite is often associated with its
colorful close cousin, malachite
Green malachite is closely associated with azurite in many ways. Not only
do they frequently occur together (pictured above), they also have very
similar formulae. Malachite can also replace azurite, making a pseudomorph,
or an exact copy of an azurite crystal (only now instead of being blue,
it would be green). Compare their formulas:

Azurite's formula: Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2

Malachite's formula: Cu2(CO3)(OH)2

The charges on the copper ions are the same for both
minerals at positive two (each hydroxide has a charge of negative one
and each carbonate has a charge of negative two). But what causes the
color change from azurite to malachite if the charge on the copper remains
the same? Consider the formulas if they are rewritten as so:

Azurite's formula: Cu(OH)2-2(CuCO3)

Malachite's formula: Cu(OH)2-CuCO3

Notice the different amounts of CuCO3 in the two formulas.
The azurite seems to have an extra CuCO3, but the transformation could
be explained by an addition of an extra Cu(OH)2 to azurite's formula to
make two malachites as in the following equation:

Cu(OH)2-2(CuCO3) + Cu(OH)2 ----> 2{Cu(OH)2-CuCO3}
{AZURITE} 2{MALACHITE}
Since the Cu(OH)2 is more oxidized than the CuCO3, the malachite is therefore
more oxidized than azurite. This means that malachite represents a later
stage of oxidation and the increased oxidation is what causes the color
change. The actual formula for the conversion is a bit more involved and
includes the addition of a water molecule to two azurite molecules and
the release of a carbon dioxide molecule; leaving behind three malachite
molecules. The equation is represented as follows:

The oxidation is persistent and actually ongoing, although very slow.
Azurite paints made centuries ago have undergone the transformation much
to the imagined horror of artists whose paintings of beautiful blue skies
now have a most unusual green hue! Thankfully for mineralogists and collectors,
this transformation is one of the most asthetically pleasing in the mineral
kingdom. Although the malachite may soften the sharpness of the azurite
crystal, it generally leaves the specimen intact and a whole range of
transformations from pure azurite to pure malachite can be obtained. There
really is no comparison to any other mineral to mineral transformation
in terms of overall beauty.

Azurite is used in jewelry and for dyes as mentioned
above. It is also an unimportant ore of copper, although its significance
has been more impressive in the past. It is still considered a minor ore
of copper; mostly because it is found associated with other more valuable
copper ores. Fine crystal clusters, nodular specimens, and interesting
and beautiful combinations with malachite are important pieces in anyone's
mineral collection. The magnificent color of azurite is worth mentioning
again as it truly is a one-of-a-kind in the mineral world. Azurite is
one of those classic minerals.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Color is azure, deep blue or pale blue if found in small crystals or crusts.
Luster is vitreous to dull depending on habit.
Transparency: Transparent if in thin crystals, otherwise translucent to
opaque.
Crystal System is monoclinic; 2/m.
Crystal Habits crystals are irregular blades with wedge shaped terminations.
Also, aggregate crusts and radiating, botryoidal, nodular and earthy masses.
Cleavage is good in one direction and fair in another.
Fracture is conchoidal and brittle.
Hardness is 3.5-4.
Specific Gravity is 3.7+ (heavier than average).
Streak is blue.
Associated Minerals are numerous and include malachite limonite, calcite,
cerussite, quartz, chalcopyrite, native copper, cuprite, chrysocolla,
aurichalcite, shattuckite, liroconite, connellite and other oxidized copper
minerals.
Notable Occurrences include numerous localities worldwide, but special
localities produce some outstanding specimens especially from Lasal, Utah;
Bisbee, Arizona and New Mexico, USA; Mexico; Tsumeb, Nambia; Shaba, Congo;
Toussit, Morocco; Australia and in many locations in Europe.
Best Field Indicators are color, softness, crystal habits and associations.

CARNELIAN

A member of the Chalcedonly species, Carnelian is thought
to have been named after the color of the kornel cherry which it likens
too. Orange to brownish-red with varieties having some translucency to
opaque qualities. Iron contained within the stone gives it this coloring,
but heat can enhance it too. Color within this stone is generally dispersed
in cloudy patterns.

Found in Brazil, Uruguay and India.

CHROME DIOPSIDE

It sounds more like an ingredient a chemist would use
rather than a jeweler, but this gemstone is a striking emerald green color.
Can react negatively to hydroflouric acid. Will actually melt under a
jeweler's torch.

Diopside is russian chrome diopside value a diopside
chrome diopside jewelry rough monoclinic chrome diopside diopside mines
included pyroxene mineral with composition star diopside MgCaSi2O6. It
forms a solid solution series with hedenbergite (FeCaSi2O6) and augite.
Diopside is found in mafic igneous rocks as well as in many metamorphic
rocks. It is also a constituent of the Earth's mantle.

Charoite is a relatively late comer to the marketplace,
having been known only since the mid 1970’s. The color of charoite is
described as a stunning lavender, lilac, violet or purple. The white chrystalline
“needles” give charoite a very distinctive appearance and depth often
forming a swirling pattern of interlocking crystals. Charoite is found
in the inerfluve of the Chara and Tokkin rivers, northwest of Aldan on
the Jakutsk area, northeast of Lake Baikal, Russia.

CHRYSOPRASE

Chrysoprase is a highly translucent, bright, light
green to dark green valuable form of chalcedony. The stone’s vivid green
color comes from nickel silicate. It is usually cut into cabochons. This
stone is mined exclusively in Australia and is sometimes confused with
jade and called “Australian jade”.Chrysoprase is also found in
Arizona, USA.

CITRINE

Citrine is a member of the Quartz species. It is so
named due to it's lemon yellow color. Colored by it's iron content, natural
specimens are quite rare. Commercial Citrines these days are most likely
heat treated Amethyst or Smoky Quartz. Mostly all of heat treated citrines
have a slight reddish tint to them. Pale yellow generally denotes a natural
stone.

Coral is one of the world’s few organic gems. The oldest
known findings of red coral date from the Mesopotamian civilization from
about 3000 B.C. Coral is formed from a colony of marine invertebrates,
primarily a skeletal calcium carbonate gem. The formations as seen in
the water look like tree branches. Many colors and varieties of coral
are found in warm coastal waters from around the world. Coral varies in
color: white, pink, orange, red and black. The rarest variety is the blood
coral or oxblood coral. This is a very deep red variety. The best oxblood
coral comes from the Mediterranean Sea. Coral is usually cabochon cut.
Because of its calcium composition coral should not come in contact with
acid such as vinegar.

DIAMONDS

Probably the best known gemstone in the world, diamonds
have long since been a very valuable item to own. So hard that it constitutes
the highest range of "10" on the Mohs' Hardness Scale. Diamond
chips that are not of gem quality are often used for the tips of drill
bits because of their durability. This hardness is one reason that jewelers
find this one of the most difficult gems to cut into a faceted stone,
but also one of the most profitable.

A wonderfully beautiful stone when faceted, the refractions
from it's many possible cuts make it a favorite of jewelers and customers
the world over.

In the past, because of their high cost, many diamond
imitations have been tried to duplicate the look for a lesser cost. Natural
Zircons were often used as well as other natural colorless specimens of
rock crystal, precious beryl, topaz and sapphire to imitate the look or
deceive unsuspecting buyers. A most common alternative these days is the
lab created Cubic Zirconia, which is shown in the picture above, as it
can closely resemble colorless diamonds for a fraction of the cost.

Natural diamonds can be found in a variety of colors.
While colorless diamonds are the most valuable, natural colored diamonds
can increase value if it is one of the rarer colors of green, red, blue
or purple. Yellow diamonds are the most common color found and are sometimes
referred to in the trade as "champagne" diamonds.

Diamonds are graded for things like color, clarity,
and cut. Inclusions will affect clarity and generally degrade the perceived
quality of the stone. The cut of a diamond also affects the price as the
complexity of the cut will generally produce a better, more dazzling look,
but does add to the cost of preparing the stone.

Naturally colored diamonds are more valuable than treated
ones, but treatments like irradiation can change lesser quality diamonds
with multiple inclusions into more usable specimens for jewelry.

EMERALD

Emeralds are a member of the Beryl species. Considered
a precious stone, it's name has become synonymous with the deep rich green
color for which it is known. Chrome contained within is responsible for
it's brilliant coloring.

The very best emerald specimens are transparent, but
many are clouded by inclusions. Although all emeralds are brittle, stones
can be facetted, and most times are. Clear Emerald specimens are very
valueable.

Found in Germany, Burma, Argentina, England, France, Namibia, Austria,
Switzerland and the state of Illinois in the United States.

Fossil Mammoth Ivory

Among the treasures hidden for thousands of years in
the remote Arctic tundra of Alaska, Canada and Siberia are the massive
ivory tusks of the Woolly Mammoth, ruler of the prehistoric savanna. Larger
than today's Indian elephant, their tusks could weigh up to 300 pounds
each and measure over 16 feet in length. These great beasts ultimately
succumbed to the drastic climate changes accompanying great ice ages.
The skeletons and tusks were naturally interred for aeons in the frozen
earth. We bring this hidden treasure to you as a beautiful gem alternative
to new elephant ivory.

These massive tusks are unearthed many ways. Modern
day gold miners dredge up mineralized remains in the course of placer
mining activities. We unearth fossil ivory during road construction. Bush
pilots spot the huge tusks jutting from ever eroding river banks while
flying over the tundra. Wilderness explorers find the tusks in the melting
muskeg. Regardless of the happy surprise of discovery, all of our ivory
is mined in accordance with all applicable federal and state regulations.

The beautiful hues of tan, brown and blue are a result
of thousands of years of mineralization. Exact hues depend upon the mineral
deposits in the immediate soil surrounding the fallen mammoth. Thus, when
processing, each tusk reveals a unique character, never duplicated in
another piece of fossil tusks.

International trade in elephant ivory has been largely
shut down due to concern for the preservation of a living species. Much
to the delight of fine jewelry collectors, fossil mammoth ivory has emerged
as an eco-friendly and increasingly valuable alternative. While still
scarce and difficult to work with, this lustrous natural ivory possesses
the same gem qualities of new ivory, without the stigma attached to illegal
harvesting of endangered elephants.

Our supplier has searched out these prized fossils
to transform the ancient ivory into lustrous jewelry that reflect the
hues of the Arctic landscape. Their skilled craftsmen in Hong Kong, an
internationally recognized center for ivory carving, carefully work with
the fragile tusks. Each item is painstakingly designed, carved, polished
and finished to enhance the unique color of our Arctic Ivory. As with
all fine gem quality ivory, the luster is enhanced with frequent exposure
to one's natural skin oils, developing a rich patina over time.

FOSSILIZED CORAL REEF

The differential nature of uplifted fossilized coral
reef on the western end of Roatan Island, Honduras is representative of
the ongoing earthquake activity of subsidiary faults along the American/Caribbean
plate boundary in Central America. Surveying elevations and mapping the
distribution of fringing coral reefs, fossil reefs, wave cut terraces,
exposed beach rock, beach sediments, and cave dripstones that have been
uplifted and/or tilted by fault movements was performed in an area of
approximately 10km2. At five dispersed locations subsurface samples were
taken down to a depth of 2.5m. These samples were analyzed by XRD and
ESR at intervals of 20cm. Ohio State Universitys Nuclear Reactor
Lab analyzed selected samples for U, Th, and K content, and also irradiated
annealed samples at six intervals of intensity. The irradiated samples
were used to establish a regression curve of radiation exposure to ESR
signal. Using radionuclide content and this regression curve, ESR signals
of field samples were analyzed to estimate their crystallization and/or
recrystallization ages. All ESR signals of the field samples were below
the limit of resolution of the regression curve (i.e. >20k years).
Recrystallization of the coral may have accompanied differential uplift
across the study area. Locally as much as 10m of relief can be observed
in the beach rock terraces that trend from sea level in the southwest
to over 10m in the northeast segment. Differential local and regional
uplift coupled with sea level variability have influenced coastal geology
and morphology in the study area, and obtaining quantitative results has
proved problematic.

FOSSILIZED DINOSAUR BONE

If fossilization was simply replacement of bone with
stone, fossil and living bones wouldn't be as chemically similar as they
are, and the intricate details found in fossilized dinosaur bones would
not have survived. Even more intriguing is the fact that some of the proteins
in bone have survived the fossilization process, in dinosaurs and "older"
fossils, a fact very consistent with a young earth.

Fossilization is essentially a process of denaturing
bone, similar to the denaturing of animal skin in leather manufacturing.
The mineral that makes the live bone hard, apatite, combines with fluorine
(in groundwater) to form fluorapatite. The living tissue in bone (mostly
proteins such as collagen) largely decay away, and the resulting void
spaces get filled with mostly quartz minerals.

Fossilization takes place when the following steps,
which nicely fit a young-earth flood-geology context, occur.

I. Rapid burial to prevent immediate disintegration.

II. Rapid fluoridation and quartzification to spare
the bone from bacterial decay and percolating fluids while buried in the
sediment. Depending on the mineral content of the groundwater ("the
fountains of the great deep" which "burst forth," [Gen.
7:11]) this could have occurred very rapidly. Experiments on buried shrimp
show that even soft tissue can be preserved in a matter of weeks under
the right conditions.

III. Survival of the bone through chemical change over
time ("eons" of survival required, of course, for evolutionists
and long-age creationists).

Garnet actually is a group of minerals with the same
crystalline structures which comes in a wide variety of colors. The different
varieties are detailed below.

Pyrope Garnet: One of the most common varieties (pictured above), it is
red in color, often with a brownish tint to it. It has been found in in
Burma, Madagascar, China, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Tanzania and the United
States.

Rhodolite Garnet: Purplish red or rose-colored garnet.

Almandite Garnet: Named based on the town it was found in, this stone
is red with a violet tint. Mined from deposits in India, Brazil, Madagascar
and in the United States.

Spessartine Garnet: Also called Spessartite. Named from the word for "forest"
where they were found in Germany. It's color is orange to red-brown. Also
found in Burma, Brazil, Kenya, China, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Tanzania
and the United States.

Tsavorite Garnet: Green to emerald green in color. The best specimens
are clear and are often faceted in emerald cuts. Found in Tanzania and
Kenya.

GASPEITE

Gaspeite was discovered in 1966 in the Lemieux Township
of the Gaspe’ Peninsula, Quebec, Canada. It is also found in western Australia
– the best from North of Perth, Australia. It is found as a secondary
mineral around nickel sulfide deposits. Gaspeite comes in light green
to an unmistakable apple green color. Gaspiete is usually cut into cabochons.
A light, almost apple green color is quite unique and some varieties
are almost a neon green. It may contain tan to brownish patches of matrix
which gives it a distinctive character. This stone is named for the location
of the original discovery in Gaspe Peninsula, Quebec, Canada where material
was found that was NOT suitable for the jewelry industry. We only have
one source for this treasured stone and he tells us that the last discovery
of "cuttable" material (meaning hard enough and of good quality
for use in jewelry & beads) was in 1990 in Weegemoogha, Australia.
This discovery was a 40 ton block of Gaspeite, with only 27 tons of cuttable
material, so YES the availability of this stone will eventually run out
to the jewelry industry. It is considered both RARE and collectable. Gaspeite
has a hardness of 5.

Gaspeite is found as a secondary mineral around nickel sulfide deposits.
It was thought of as just a gangue mineral by miners when it was encountered
and usually placed in the mines dumps or tailings. A gangue mineral is
a mineral that probably contains the ore metal, but its chemistry is such
that processing it is either impossible or unprofitable. Such was the
case with gaspeite despite being rich in nickel. Of course lapidary craftsmen
have a different view of gaspeite's profitability! Gaspeite is named for
its type locality of Gaspe' Peninsula, Lemieux Township, Gaspe'-ouest
County, Quebec, Canada, but the best material of late is coming from North
of Perth, Australia.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Color is a pale green to apple green.
Luster is vitreous to dull.
Transparency: Crystals are usually translucent, massive material is opaque.
Crystal System is trigonal; bar 3 2/m.
Crystal Habits include rhombohedrons and scalenohedrons, but crystals
are very rare. More commonly found massive.
Cleavage is perfect in 3 directions forming rhombohedrons.
Fracture is uneven.
Hardness is 4.5 - 5.
Specific Gravity is 3.7 (somewhat heavy for a translucent mineral).
Streak is yellowish green.
Other Characteristics: Effervesces slightly in hydrochloric acid.
Associated Minerals include millerite, pentlandite, skutterudite, annabergite
and other nickel minerals.
Notable Occurrences include the type locality of Gaspe' Peninsula, Lemieux
Township, Gaspe'-ouest County, Quebec and Sudbury, Ontario, Canada and
a new source of carvable material from Kambalda and Widgie Mooltha which
is North of Perth, Australia.
Best Field Indicators are color, locality, reaction to acids, cleavage
and density.

HEMATITE

Known in some countries as "bloodstone" because
of the color it changes the cooling water of saw blades when it's cut,
it often resembles metal when polished. The sample above is a Specular
Hematite variety with shining specks. When pieces are sliced thin enough,
they appear red and transparent. Deposits are found in Bangladesh, England,
Brazil, China, Czech Republic, New Zealand and the state of Minnesota
in the U.S.A.

HEMIMORPHITE

Chemistry: Zn4 Si2 O7 (OH)2 -H2O, Hydrated Zinc Silicate
Hydroxide.
Class: Silicates
Subclass: Sorosilicates
Uses: minor ore of zinc
Specimens
Hemimorphite is one of the more common sorosilicates. Its most noteworthy
characteristic is its polar or hemimorphic crystals from where it gets
its name. The crystal structure produces a different termination at each
end of the crystal. One termination, the "bottom" is rather
blunt being dominated by a pedion face while the opposite end, the "top"
is terminated by the point of a pyramid. The crystal structure contains
tetrahedrons of ZnO3 OH, interlocked with Si2 O7 groups and water molecules.
The zinc is at the center of the tetrahedron while the three oxygens,
along with an OH group, are at the four points of the tetrahedron. These
tetrahedrons are all aligned in the same direction with one face parallel
to the pedion termination and the "top" of the tetrahedrons
pointing toward the pyramidal termination.
Hemimorphite was originally named calamine but this name had been used
for another mineral and hemimorphite was proposed and is now in wide spread
use. The hemi means half while the morph means shape and thus hemimorphite
is aptly named. Only a few other minerals show hemimorphic character such
as tourmaline, but none show it as well as hemimorphite. Clusters of hemimorphite
that show well shaped crystals do not always show the hemimorphic character.
Because the crystals of a single specimen tend to grow outward with either
the "top" or the "bottom" as the overall orientation
for that specimen. In order to see the hemimorphic character either a
doubly terminated specimen is necessary or two different clusters with
different orientations will be needed.

Specimens of hemimorphite tend to be of two very different
forms (seems like a trend with this mineral). One form produces very glassy,
clear or white, thin, bladed crystals, often well formed showing many
crystal faces. Many times these crystals are arranged in fan shaped aggregates.
The other form produces a blue to blue-green botryoidal crust that resembles
smithsonite or prehnite. Prehnite has a lower density and is usually greener
and has different associations with other minerals. Smithsonite has a
shimering luster that causes a play of light across the rounded surfaces
and has a higher density that hemimorphite. Often hemimorphite will show
rough crystal ridges or "cock's comb" structures over top of
the basic botryoidal crust. For a collector both forms are a must in their
mineral collections.

HONEYCOMB CALCITE

Honeycomb Calcite is a beautiful and impressive form
of calcite mined exclusively in the state of Utah. Much like onyx and
marble it can provide a colorful replacement or a dramatic accent stone
for architectural & artistic applications. The name comes from the
remarkable honeycomb appearance when viewing a polished surface. It is
formed by the growth of long fibrous tubular cells and crystals of honey
color outlined by white membranes surrounding each cell. The Coloring
is attributed to iron deposits at the time of formation.

HOWLITE

Howlite is a white colored stone usually with black
matrix. Howlite is often presented in it's dyed form, as shown above.
Sometimes used to imitate turquoise, it's natural black or brown veining
lends itself well to this. Naturally occurring in snow white coloring,
which in this form it is often passed off as white turquoise or "white
buffalo".

IOLITE

Iolite is normally violet-blue in color, albeit, a
sometimes dull blue. The best quality faceted gems can sometimes resemble
tanzanite or sapphires. Prior to the 1980s, it was not readily available,
but supply has increased, making it a beautiful addition to most jewelry.

It's name is derived from the Greek word for violet.
Sometimes misleadingly called a "Water Sapphire" because it
looks clear and watery from the side, but can resemble a sapphire when
looking at it head on.

Iolite was used by the Vikings on cloudy days as a
sort of compass. They were able to locate the position of the sun by looking
through thin, clear slices of it. It has properties that acted like a
light polarizer and canceled out the mist and haze in the atmosphere.

Deposits are found in Sri Lanka, India, Brazil, Burma,
Madagascar, Tanzania and the United States

JADE

There have been some civilizations in the South Pacific,
Asia and Central America where Jade has been more prized than Diamonds
or Gold. It is a very beautiful, yet tough stone that is resistant to
chipping and breakage. The ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius said
it was valuable because it represented the whole of purity, sureness of
intelligence, music and loyalty due to it's characteristics. Today it
is worn by many Asians for good luck and health.

The name "Jade" came from the Spanish conquistadors
who named it according to the job that native Mexicans were using it for.
As it was thought by them to relieve kidney ailments, the Spanish named
it "piedra de ijada" which meant "stone of the loins."
Eventually the Spanish term evolved into "Jade." The early Roman
civilization also considered it to be a good treatment for kidney ailments
such as nephritis (kidney inflammation) leading to it being named "lapis
nephriticus" for "stone of nephrite." The Latin term was
subsequently reduced to "nephrite" and is sometimes used as
an alternate name of Jade.

A French chemist, Augustine Damour, noted in 1863 that
jade was two different minerals. She used the word "Jadeite"
for Burmese jade to distinguish it from the Chinese jade "nephrite."
The Chinese had know of the difference between the two since the early
seventeen hundreds.

Jadeite and Nephrite are both comprised of tightly
interlocking crystals, which is different from the single crystals that
comprise most other gems.

Jadeite is a little bit harder and denser and can take
more time to polish. It is comprised of crystals which tend to be somewhat
more granular and coarse.

Nephrite is most common and typically found in olive
or forest green. The oldest known sources come from China. It is slightly
stronger since it's crystal components are more intergrown than Jadeite.

VARIETY INFORMATION:
VARIETY OF: both jadeite and nephrite
USES: Gemstone and ornamental stone.
COLOR: shades of emerald green as well as white, gray, yellow, orange
and violet.
INDEX OF REFRACTION: is approximately 1.66 (jadeite) and 1.62 (nephrite)
HARDNESS: 6.5 - 7
CLEAVAGE: does not apply due to massive nature of jade
CRYSTAL SYSTEM: monoclinic
SPECIMENS

JASPER

A member of the Chalcedony species, Jasper comes in
many different varieties. It's is derived from the Greek word which means
"spotted stone." This dense, finely grained stone, can contain
up to 20 percent foreign materials which actually determines it's color
streak and appearance for categorization.

Jasper is found worldwide and comes in colors like
red, brown, yellow, gray and green. Black and Blue are the most rare colors
found. It comes in many varieties, Agate, Banded, Basanite, Egyptian,
Hornstone, Leopard Skin, Moukaite, Picture, Plasma, Scenic, & Zebra
Jasper.

JET

Jet is Anthracite Coal which is a sedimentary rock
formed from plants that lived millions of years ago. Jet is used a great
deal in contemporary and traditional Native American inlay jewelry.

KYANITE

It's name is derived from the Greek word for blue.
It can often have inclusions and streaks. Having a variable hardness makes
it quite difficult to cut.

Mined from Brazil, Burma, Kenya, Austria, Zimbabwe, Switzerland and the
United States.

LABRADORITE

Named after the peninsula in Canada where it was originally
found, it's a member of the Feldspar group. Specifically, plagioclase
feldspar. It has a luminescent quality, similar to a moonstone, but with
more of a streaked design of blues and greens. Some specimens show a more
complete rainbow spectrum as well. This quality is best seen when the
stone is in just the right direction in relation to the light source because
of the distortion created by the microscopic exsoluction lamellae of high
and low calcium plagioclase phases.

Deposits are obtained from Canada, Madagascar, Australia, Russia, Mexico
and the United States.

LAPIS LAZULI

Lapis has been highly prized since ancient Babylonian
and Egyptian times. Genuine lapis is a natural blue, opaque stone. It
is brilliant deep blue and sometimes possesses small sparkling gold or
silver colored flecks which are pyrite inclusions. The best lapis comes
from Afghanistan and Argentina. It can also be found in Russia, Chile,
Canada and occasionally the U.S.

LION'S PAW SHELL

Lion's Paw Shell simular to Spiny Oyster comes from
Baja Mexico. The interior of the shell has less white and these shells
can be orange on one side with purple on the inside thus they make wonderful
beads purple and orange, as well as cabochons.

MALACHITE

Malachite is named for the Greek word “mallow” which
is a green herb. Malachite is a copper ore that comes in a brilliant green
marked with bands of contrasting shades of the same green. Malachite is
often found in copper producing areas such as Russia, Mexico, Australia,
England, Southwest US and notably Zaire is a major producer today. Never
clean malachite with any product containing ammonia.

MOTHER OF PEARL

Mother of Pearl is a hard, iridescent inner layer
of certain shells such as abalone, pearl oyster and mussel. Mother of
pearl varies in shades of white, yellow, pink and gray. Care should be
taken not to expose it to chemicals.

MOONSTONE

Moonstones come in a variety of colors, ranging from
colorless to white, gray, brown, yellow, orange, green, or pink. Clarity
ranges from transparent to translucent.

Description: (K, Na) AlSi3O8, Moonstone (also called
rainbow moonstone) is soft milky white stone, the most valuable variety
of feldspar with an rainbow sheen. Moonstone shows a silvery or bluish
iridescence, that is caused by the intergrowth of two different types
of feldspar with different efractive indexes. The term moonstone also
has been applied to the plagioclase feldspars peristerite and labradorite,
which also exhibit iridescence.

The name's origin: The moonstone named for its semblance
in color to the moon.

Moonstone was very popular with the Romans, who thought
it was formed out of moonlight, also used in Roman jewelry since 100 AD.
In India moonstone is considered a sacred stone to this day.

MUSCOVITE QUARTZITE

Art Smith, Mineralogist-Geologist wrote: I did a microscopic
examination of the bead material that you call Muscovite. It is a natural
stone, probably a metamorphic rock called quartzite. It is composed of
well-fused grains of clear to slightly cloudy quartz with interspearsed
flakes of pale tan, slightly iron stained, mica that is probably muscovite.
The iron staining seems to be most concentrated on the edge of the muscovite
flakes and so emphasizes them when the stone is polished. This is an excellent
hard and durable stone that will make good beads, cabochons or other lapidary
items.

OPAL

Opal is a paradoxical gemstone, and one of the most
fascinating.
It is a form of quartz, but is not a form of quartz. Quartz is very common,
yet has many rare and precious gem varieties. Opal itself has numerous
varieties. It is the most colourful gemstone, but some forms are colourless.
It can be very bright and beautiful, and it can be dull and dead. It is
best known for its flashes of colour, but some varieties have no flashes
of colour, and are still opals. It can be black, and it can be white.
Its best known attribute, the brilliant flashes of many colours, are not
called opalescence, but irridescence. Some people think opal is unlucky,
but it is one of the most valuable and desirable of gems. Actually because
opal is a gel, it is, strictly speaking, not a form of quartz. Quartz
is a crystalline form of silicon dioxide, opal is a solid gel. However
because the chemical formula is the same except that opal is hydrous,
that is it contains some water which is chemically attached to the silicon
dioxide molecules.Opals were known and mined in Roman times. The
Roman mines were in and around Cervenica, previously in Czechoslovakia,
although we have now lost track of all the recent changes in Balkan geography.
Now most the opal the market is from Australia or Mexico. Austrailian
opal is the finest.

PEARLS

Color: The color of pearls varies with the mollusk
and its environment. It ranges from black to white, with the rose of Indian
pearls esteemed most. Other colors are cream, gray, blue, yellow, lavender,
green, and mauve. All occur in delicate shades.
Cultured pearls are being produced in virtually every color of the rainbow.

Description: The chief component of the nacre that
constitutes the pearl is aragonite CaCO.
Pearls are formed by a mollusk consisting of the same material (called
nacre, or mother-of-pearl) as the mollusk's shell. It is a highly valued
gemstone.
The shell-secreting cells of the mollusk are located in the mantleof its
body. When a foreign particle penetrates the mantle, the cells attach
to the particle and build up more or less concentric layers of pearl around
it. Irregularly shaped pearls called baroque pearls are those that have
grown in muscular tissue. Pearls that grow adjacent to the shell are often
flat on one side and are called blister pearls.
Pearls are characterized by their translucence and lustre and by a delicate
play of surface color called orient. The more perfect its shape (spherical
or droplike) and the deeper its lustre, the greater its value. Only those
pearls produced by mollusks whose shells are lined with mother-of-pearl
(e.g., certain species of both saltwater oysters and freshwater clams)
are really fine pearls. Pearls from other mollusks are reddish or whitish,
porcellaneous, or lacking in pearly lustre.
The surface of a pearl is rough to the touch. Pearls come in a wide range
of sizes. Those weighing less than 1/4 grain (1 pearl grain = 50 milligrams
= 1/4 carat) are called seed pearls. The largest naturally occurring pearls
are the baroque pearls; one such pearl is known to have weighed 1,860
grains.
Cultured pearl is natural but cultivated pearl produced by a mollusk after
the intentional introduction of a foreign object inside the creature's
shell.

The discovery that pearls could be cultivated in freshwater
mussels is said to have been made in 13th-century China, and the Chinese
have been adept for hundreds of years at cultivating pearls by opening
the mussel's shell and inserting into it small pellets of mud or tiny
bosses of wood, bone, or metal and returning the mussel to its bed for
about three years to await the maturation of a pearl formation. Cultured
pearls of China have been almost exclusively blister pearls.
The production of whole cultured pearls was perfected by the Japanese.
The research that led to the establishment of the industry was started
in the 1890s by Mikimoto Kokichi, who, after long experimentation, concluded
that a very small mother-of-pearl bead introduced into the mollusk's tissue
was the most successful stimulant to pearl production. Cultured pearls
closely approximate natural pearls.
The finest Oriental pearls are found in the Persian Gulf. Other notable
sources of fine-quality pearls include the Gulf of Mannar between India
and Sri Lanka, the waters off Celebes, Indonesia, and the islands of the
South Pacific. In the Americas, the Gulf of California, the Gulf of Mexico,
and the waters of the Pacific coast of Mexico have yielded dark-hued pearls
with a metallic sheen as well as white pearls of good quality.
Freshwater mussels in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere have
produced pearls of great value, as for example those from the Mississippi
River. Pearling is a carefully fostered industry in central Europe, and
the forest streams of Bavaria, in particular, are the source of choice
pearls. Freshwater pearling in China has been known from before 1000 BC.
Cultured pearls: Northern Australia established its first cultured pearl
farms in the 1960s, that by the mid-1970s were an established industry,
producing pearl shell as well as pearls. Japan and Australia are the largest
producers of cultured pearls, though Fiji also produces some.

PEITERSITE

Coming soon

PERIDOT

Peridot (pronounced pair-a-doe) is the gem variety
of olivine. Olivine, which is actually not an official mineral, is composed
of two minerals: fayalite and forsterite. Fayalite is the iron rich member
with a pure formula of Fe2SiO4. Forsterite is the magnesium rich member
with a pure formula of Mg2SiO4. Olivine's formula is written as (Mg, Fe)2SiO4
to show the substitution of the magnesium and iron. Peridot is usually
closer to forsterite than fayalite in composition although iron is the
coloring agent for peridot. The best colored peridot has an iron percentage
of less than 15% and includes nickel and chromium as trace elements that
may also contribute to the best peridot color.
Gem quality peridot comes from the ancient source of Zagbargad (Zebirget)
Island in the Red Sea off the coast of Egypt; Mogok, Myanmar (formerly
known as Burma); Kohistan, Pakistan; Minas Gerais, Brazil; Eifel, Germany;
Chihuahua, Mexico; Ethiopia; Australia; Peridot Mesa, San Carlos Apache
Reservation, Gila County, Arizona and Salt Lake Crater, Oahu, Hawaii,
USA. The best quality peridot has historically come either from Myanmar
or Egypt. But new sources in Pakistan are challenging that claim with
some exceptional specimens. The Arizona gem material is of lesser quality,
but is far more abundant and is therefore much more affordable. An estimated
80 - 95% of all world production of peridot comes from Arizona. The Myanmar,
Pakistani and Egyptian gems are rarer and of better quality and thus quite
valuable approaching the per carat values of top gemstones. Possibly the
most unusual peridot is that which comes from iron-nickel meteorites called
pallasites. Some are actually facetted and set in jewelry.

Peridot is perhaps derived from the French word peritot
which means unclear, probably due to the inclusions and cloudy nature
of large stones. It could also be named from the Arabic word faridat which
means gem. In either case, peridot has been mined as a gemstone for an
estimated four thousand years or better, and is mentioned in the Bible
under the Hebrew name of pitdah. Peridot gems along with other gems were
probably used in the fabled Breastplates of the Jewish High Priest, artifacts
that have never been found. The Greeks and Romans referred to peridot
as topazion and topazius respectively and this name was later given to
topaz, to end the confusion with the two gems. Historical legend has it
that peridot was the favorite gemstone of Cleopatra. Pliny wrote about
the green stone from Zagbargad Island in 1500 B.C.. Even until recently
have jewelers used the term "chrysolite" (latin for golden stone)
in referring to peridot gems for some reason. This term has also been
used to refer to other gemstones, of a more golden color.

Zagbargad (Zebirget) Island has been known as St John's
Island and was mined for centuries. Before World War I, this island was
extensively mined and produced millions of dollars worth of gems. Since
then the mining has been off and on and at present is all but nonexistent.
Still, specimens from here are available at times and it certainly is
a classic mineral locality.

Throughout time, peridot has been confused with many
other gemstones, even emerald. Many "emeralds" of royal treasures
have turned out to be peridots! And although peridot is distinctly a different
shade of green, many jewelers refer to peridot as "evening emerald".
Emerald is a dark green as opposed to a yellow green and always contains
inclusions. Other green gemstones confused with peridot include apatite
(which is much softer); green garnets (have no double refraction), green
tourmaline and green sinhalite (both of which are strongly pleochroic),
moldavites (no double refraction) and green zircon (significantly heavier).
All of these gemstones rarely have as nice a yellow component to their
green color as does most peridot, but darker green peridot can be confusing
when good crystal form is not discernible.

Peridot is a beautiful gemstone in its own right and
is widely popular. Its popularity is said to be increasing yearly and
with new finds in Pakistan producing exceptionally well crystallized specimens,
peridot can be fun to collect for years to come.

PETRIFIED WOOD

Petrified wood consists of a wide variety of minerals
including silica, silicates, carbonates, sulfates, sulfides, oxides, and
phosphates. They all can permineralize wood to form petrified wood (Adams
1920). However, petrified wood most commonly consists of silica (Si02)
in the form of either opal or chert (Stein 1982).

Silicified wood is usually found within one of two
types of strata. First, it occurs within accumulations of volcanic ash,
tuff, and breccia, e.g. the petrified forests of Yellowstone National
Park. Second, silicified wood also occurs within sands, silts, and muds
deposited by rivers and streams that have hardened to sandstones, siltstones,
and shale. Typically, the sandstones, siltstones, and shales that contain
silicified wood also contain redeposited tuffaceous materials or volcanic
ash. The silicified wood found in Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona
and the Miocene strata of Louisiana and Texas occur within such strata
(Knauth 1972:44).

Origin of Petrified Wood
Silicified wood forms in these deposits, because of the presence of dissolved
silica within the groundwater. The silica is derived from the dissolution
of the volcanic material by the groundwater within the volcanics or sediments.
This dissolved silica in the form of monomeric silicic acid attaches itself
to the lignin and cellulose of the wood. With time, a layer of the monomeric
silicic acid forms on the exposed woody tissues. The monomeric silicic
acid dehydrates into silica gel. Additional layers of the monomeric silicic
acid attach to this silica gel eventually filling and encasing the wood
with silica gel. A rapid loss of water converts the silica gel into amorphous
silica (opal) (Leo and Barghoorn 1976; Scurfield and Segnit 1984).

Within 10 to 40 million years, the opal of the silicified
wood further dehydrates and crystallizes into microcrystalline quartz
(chert). Factors such as temperature and pressure may speed or slow the
process, but eventually the opal of the silicified wood becomes chert
(Stein 1982). During the change from opal to chert in silicified wood,
the relict woody texture may either be retained or lost.

During the silicification process, various materials
and minerals may be incorporated into the silica gel. For example, manganese
dioxides, iron oxides, organic matter and authegenic clay can alone or
in combination color the opal or chert that forms silicified wood. Because
each piece of wood becomes silicified in its own local geochemical environment,
the trace and major materials and elements that it contains will vary
greatly from piece to piece even within the same stratum (Knauth 1972:45;
1981). Therefore, trace element analysis is generally useless in tracing
the source of any silicified wood.

Types Of Petrified Woods
Within the Tertiary strata that outcrop in southeast to southwest Texas
and into Louisiana, three types of silicified wood can be recognized.
They are rather nondescript silicified wood, palm wood, and a massive
silicified wood. The nondescript silicified wood consists of silicified
wood that possesses a recognizable woody structure. The relict woody structure
is fine and nondescript. It is not identifiable without oriented thin
sections, specialized references, and comparative material (Blackwell
et al. 1983:2). Therefore, this type is best described just as "silicified
wood".

The second type of silicified wood is commonly called
including the State Fossil "petrified palm wood" by geologists
and rock collectors. Palm wood is a group of fossil woods that contain
prominent rod-like structures within the regular grain of the silicified
wood. Depending upon the angle at which they are cut by fracture, these
rod-like structures show up as spots, tapering rods, or continuous lines.
The rod-like structures are sclerenchyma bundles that comprise part of
the woody tissues that gave vertical strength to the Oligocene and Miocene
tree genera, Palmoxylon (Blackwell et al. 1983:4-5).

The third type of silicified wood is massive silicified
wood. The silicification of the wood or subsequent transformation of silica
gel to opal or chert has obliterated any trace of the grain of the former
wood. The destruction of the structure of the silicified wood has resulted
in a massive opal or chert that lacks any visible indication of its origin.
Because of its variable, massive nature and heterogeneous trace element
composition, many investigators, e.g. Jolly (1982) and Jolly and Kerr
(1984), have often failed to recognize the nature of this material. The
Eagle Hill Chert found within West-Central Louisiana is a local, massive
silicified wood (Heinrich 1984). A similar massive silicified wood called
"golden palm" occurs in equivalent strata within East-Central
Texas (Patterson 1985).

PICASSO MARBLE

A gorgeous stone native to southeastern Utah. Utah
Picasso Marble is a common building stone, it is a classic sculptors stone.
Some marbles are famous such as Italian white and Belgian black marble.
The colors vary and may be found in pinks, yellows, and browns. Marble
is a soft rock and yet dense in structure. It was once limestone in the
Precambrian era. The sedimentary limestone masses were sometimes contacted
by hot magnas and the pressure altered the limestone. Other minerals from
the magna then infiltrated the limestone causing feathery lines and beautiful
designs such as Picasso Marble found in Beaver County, Utah. The scenic
effect and color contrast in black and gold has made this marble a popular
cutting rock for the lapidarest.

RAINBOW CALSILICA

is a newly-found, multi-colored, layered stone composed
of calcium and silica from a mine in Chihuahua, Mexico. This stone has
been recently used for Zuni fetish carvings and in Native Indian jewelry.
I am not too sure of the reality of this stone, I have heard rumors that
it is just colored sand layered and treated like they treat turquoise.

RHODOCHROSITE

Rhodochrosite (whose name means rose-colored) is a
very attractive mineral with an absolutely one-of-a-kind, beautiful color.
Although it can be an ore of manganese, it is its ornamental and display
specimen qualities that make it a very popular mineral. The color of a
single crystal can just astound the observer with its vivid pink-rose
color that seems to be transmitted out of the crystal as if lit from within.
Individual crystals are found in well shaped rhombohedrons and more rarely
scalahedrons. In a massive form its pink and white bands are extremely
attractive and are often used in semi-precious jewelry. Rhodochrosite
is often carved into figurines and tubular stalactitic forms are sliced
into circles with concentric bands that are truly unique in the mineral
kingdom. Fine crystals are sometimes cut into gemstones, but rhodochrosite's
softness and brittleness limit it as a gemstone for everyday use.

Identification of rhodochrosite is fairly easy despite
a few similarly colored minerals such as rhodonite. Rhodonite is harder
and has different cleavage; but perhaps the best distinguishing factor
is its lack of reaction to acids. Rhodochrosite will easily with show
some reaction to cold acids which demonstrates its carbonate chemistry.
Basically, any rose-pink carbonate is considered rhodochrosite; however
some calcites with a small amount of manganese impurities can be pink
in color. The manganese replaces some of the calciums in calcite but a
complete series between calcite and rhodochrosite is not established.
Differentiating pink calcite from rhodochrosite may require a fluorescence
test as rhodochrosite is distinctly non-fluorescent and manganese is a
fluorescent activator in calcite.

There are many localities for rhodochrosite that are
of great reknown. Beyond a doubt, the best locality for rhodochrosite
is the Sweet Home Mine in Colorado. It is unmatched for its superb rhodochrosite
crystals that exhibit the best features of the species; a fine bright
rose color and sharp well formed crystals. Some specimens from here are
quite large and of world class distinction.

Other localities have produced some fine specimens
as well. Catamarca, Argentina has an old inca silver mine that has produced
fine stalatitic examples of rhodochrosite that are unique and very attractive.
Cut cross-sections reveal concentric bands of light and dark rose colored
layers. These specimens are carved and used for many ornamental purposes.

Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada has produced many
fine rare minerals but it also produces some nice rhodochrosite specimens
as well. Specimens from here are generally small, but have a good color
and are associated with rarer minerals.

There are many Peruvian rhodochrosite localities that
have produced a number of good specimens. These crystals are usually paler
in color than other specimens, but are accented by interesting metal sulfide
minerals.

N'Chwanging Mine, Hotazel, South Africa has produced
possibly the best examples of scalahedral crystals of rhodochrosite. The
unusual crystal habit is due in part to this being one of a few sedimentary
crystallizing environments for the species. Most other localities are
the result of metamorphism, late stage igneous intrusion or more commonly
hydrothermal precipitation.

RHODONITE

Chemistry: (Mn, Fe, Mg, Ca)5(SiO3)5 , Manganese Iron
Magnesium Calcium Silicate.
Class: Silicates
Subclass: Inosilicates
Group: Pyroxenoid
Uses: ornamental and semi-precious stone and as a minor ore of manganese
Specimens
Rhodonite is an attractive mineral that is often carved and used in jewelry.
It is named after the Greek word for rose, rhodon. Its rose-pink color
is distinctive and can only be confused with rhodochrosite and the rare
mineral, pyroxmangite, MnSiO3. Rhodochrosite however is streaked with
white minerals such as calcite and is reactive to acids. While rhodonite
does not react to acids and is usually associated with black manganese
minerals and pyrite. Pyroxmangite is a little harder to distinguish because
the two minerals are closely related and x-ray studies are usually needed
when found massive. Crystals of pyroxmangite are often twinned as is not
the case with rhodochrosite crystals. Crystals of rhodonite, while not
in nearly the same abundance as massive rhodonite, are still found and
distributed on the mineral markets. They come from a few notable localities
and are considered classics by collectors.

RUBY

Ruby is the red variety of corundum, the second hardest
natural mineral known to mankind. The non-red variety of corundum is Sapphire
Sapphires are well known among the general public as being blue, but can
be nearly any color. The red color in ruby is caused by trace amounts
of the element chromium. The best shade of red for ruby is often given
the name "pigeon blood red", but ruby can be any shade of red
up to almost pink.

Rubies come from all over the world but good gemstones
are found at Thailand, India, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, North Carolina in
the U.S., Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, Kampuchea,
and perhaps most notably, Burma.

Rubies have a famous place in science - the first lasers
were made from artificial ruby crystals. They still are used for this
purpose although other materials offer improved efficiency. Some ruby
crystals show the fluorescence (actually very short term phosphorescence)
that makes a laser possible.

SAPPHIRE

Sapphire is the non-red variety of corundum, the second
hardest natural mineral known to mankind. The red variety of corundum
is Ruby. Sapphires are well known among the general public as being blue,
but it can be nearly any color, even colorless. White (or colorless but
massive) sapphire would more properly be called corundum. The blue color
is by far the most popular color for sapphire but orange-pink, golden,
white, and even black have generated much interest in the gem trade. Oriented
rutile crystal inclusions cause a six-pointed-star light effect (called
asterism to form the popular Star Sapphire.

Utah Septarian Nodules  Septarians were formed
millions of years ago when the Gulf of Mexico reached what is now Southern
Utah. Decomposing sea life, killed by volcanic eruptions, had a chemical
attraction for the sediment around them, forming mud balls. As the ocean
receded, the balls were left to dry and crack. Because of their bentonite
content they also shrank at the same time trapping the cracks inside.
As decomposed calcite from the shells was carried down into the cracks
in the mud balls, calcite crystals formed. A thin wall of calcite was
transformed into aragonite separating the bentonite heavy clay exteriors
from the calcite centers. Because of this, the nodules are called Septarians.

SEREPHINITE

Hails from Russia and is the cousin of Charoite. Serephinite
is a relatively late comer to the marketplace, having been known only
since the mid 1980’s. The color of serephinite is described as a stunning
emerald, forest green with metallic looking chrystalline patterns that
look like a candy pant job on a car. The white chrystalline “needles”
give charoite a very distinctive appearance and depth often forming a
swirling pattern of interlocking crystals. Some call this look "chatoiant".
Serephinite is found in the inerfluve of the Chara and Tokkin rivers,
northwest of Aldan on the Jakutsk area, northeast of Lake Baikal, Russia.

SPINY OYSTER SHELL

Spiny Oyster Shell, Spondylus Brodnip Princess, is
found in the Sea of Cortez, Baja California, Mexico. Spiny Oyster began
to be exported for jewelry making in the Southwest in 1976. The shell
comes in three main colors: red, orange, purple and sometimes white and
yellow.

The name Spondylus is a Latin word that means “spines
on its back”. Brodnip was the name of the scientist who traveled with
Cortez when Baja California was explored. The name “princess” was given
to the shell when Cortez presented his marine discoveries to the King
of Spain. The king’s daughter fell in love with the shell; thus, it was
named after her.

SODALITE

Sodalite is a scarce mineral that can be rock forming.
Sodalite is named in reference to its sodium content. It is used for carvings
and some jewelry pieces. Its light to dark pure blue color is well known
in the semi-precious stone trade. Sodalite is a member of the feldspathoid
group of minerals. Minerals whose chemistries are close to that of the
alkali feldspars but are poor in silica (SiO2) content, are called feldspathoids.
As a result or more correctly as a function of the fact, they are found
in silica poor rocks containing other silica poor minerals and no quartz.
If quartz were present when the melt was crystallizing, it would react
with any feldspathoids and form a feldspar.. Localities that have feldspathoids
are few but some produce large quantities of sodalite. Sodalite, when
not blue, is hard to distinguish from other feldspathoids. It is the only
feldspathoid that contains chlorine. Sodalite dissolved in a dilute solution
of HNO3 gives a positive chlorine test obtained from some swimming pool
test kits.

SUGILITE

Sugilite (aka Royal Azel, Royal Lavulite, Purple Turquoise,
Luvulite, Gem Sugilite, Royal Lazelle) is a somewhat obscure mineral named
for the Japanese geologist who discovered the first specimen in 1944,
Ken-ichi Sugi. It is a potassium sodium lithium iron manganese aluminum
silicate (now that's a mouthful!). Sugilite forms in syenite, a rock that
was created through volcanic activity deep beneath the earth's surface.
It is usually opaque with a waxy luster but can be translucent. It often
has brown, pink and white inclusions, looking like a purple version of
turquoise (though the two minerals are unrelated). The most valuable sugilite
is a deep purple or reddish purple  colors it derives from manganese.
However, some sugilite is gray, white or yellow. These color variations
are caused by quartz or various silicate materials present. Warm soapy
water is the best cleanser for this gemstone, as it is risky to clean
sugilite by ultrasonic machine or steaming. Sugilite has been called the
stone of the New Age. The variety Professor Sugi first discovered in Japan
in 1944 was a light brownish yellow. The second known occurrence of sugilite
came in 1955, when a single dark-red ore specimen with pink crystals across
its surface was found in central India. However, this specimen was not
identified as sugilite until many years later. It was not until 1975 that
sugilite was discovered in a significant quantity: a thin, bright-magenta
band running through a core sample obtained at a manganese mine in South
Africa, near a small desert town called Hotazel. Though this was a low-grade
ore, by 1979 a major deposit of gem-grade sugilite was exposed in the
area. Most of this original material has since been used up, making quality
sugilite a relatively rare item on the market. Only a few, much-smaller
finds have followed. Sugilite is considered a great balancer of mind,
body and spirit, and is said to attract healing power. Mystics say it
helps with self-forgiveness and brings forth acceptance and belief in
oneself. It also is said to eliminate hostility and infuse the being with
inspiration and confidence. Yoga enthusiasts believe sugilite stimulates
the crown chakra and aids in opening all the chakras, allowing for the
movement of Kundalini energy. It is highly regarded for centering spiritual
light into the body and drawing out both physical and emotional pain.
Sugilite seems to protect against, absorb and dissipate anger. Many also
believe it will heal headaches and discomforts, simply by holding it.
Sugilite is found on Iwagi Island in Japan, Canada (Quebec) and most importantly,
South Africa.

SUNSTONE

Sunstone is an ancient gem, in fact sunstones have
been discovered in Viking burial mounds. It was thought that the sunstone
aided in navigation.
Formed and crystalized in a lava flow, Sunstone is a member of the feldspar
group
of minerals and is closely related to Moonstone. These produce two types
of material, one
that is cut en-cabochon or made into beads like opal or jade and the other
is faceted like
a diamond or saphire.
The cabochon and bead material exhibits a unique visual phenomenon known
as "schiller"
which is caused by millions of microscopic copper platelets. These copper
platelets reflect
light with varying intensities depending on their concentrations. The
"schiller" phenomenon
makes the stone appear to glow even when viewed from a distance.
It has been suggested that Sunstone would be an excellent alternative
to Peridot as
the August birthstone. When set alone or in combination with other gems,
Sunstones make a
fabulous addition to any collection.
Until recently Sunstone was available only in limited quantities
and poor grade.In the early 1990's location of three different deposits
in Oregon have made it
possible for top-grade rough and cut stones to be readily available at
competitive prices.
The faceting material comes in a wide range of colors and properties,
some of them being
unique to Sunstone.The Rabbit Hills material (offered here) is mainly
facet-grade

TANZANITE

Tanzanite is relatively new on the gemstone market,
but has left its mark. Its blue-lavender color is rather unique and a
wonderful addition to the gemstone palette. Found in Tanzania (hence the
name) in 1967, it has since become a well known and widely distributed
gemstone. It has become so popular that in October of 2002 the American
Gem Trade Association (AGTA) announced that tanzanite had joined zircon
and turquoise in the traditional list of birthstones for the month of
December.
It has better fire than the tourmaline elbaite or peridot and an adequate
hardness. Its only one direction of cleavage is somewhat of a problem
because it is oriented with the direction of strongest pleochroism. This
would be a problem in most gemstones because that is the direction the
gemcutter would usually select to maximize the color. However, with tanzanite
the color is usually strong enough anyway.

Pleochroism is very pronounced in tanzanite and is
seen as three different color shades in the same stone. In the viewing
a tanzanite stone, the colors dark blue, green-yellow and red-purple can
be seen, all a result of pleochroism. Lesser stones may have a brownish
color due to the mixing of blue, purple and green. These stones are usually
heat treated to a deep blue color. Iolite is a blue-violet gemstone variety
of the mineral cordierite, has strong pleochroism and can be confused
with tanzanite. However, iolite is usually less strongly colored, its
pleochroic colors vary from blue-violet to yellowish gray to blue and
it has less fire. Iolite's unusual color shades makes it an exotic colored
gemstone whose popularity is growing day by day.

Nearly all tanzanite has been heat treated to generate
the beautiful violet-blue color this stone is known for. When first mined,
most stones are a muted green color. The only known source of Tanzanite
is a five square mile hilltop at Merelani, ten miles south of the Kilimanjaro
International Airport in Tanzania.

TIFFANY STONE

Over 200 million years ago volcanic activity spewed
fine ash over regions of the west desert of Utah. In time and with pressure,
gases, heavy with minerals such as chert, Jasper. & Hemitite, combined
to form the Bertrandite. Together with other minerals of Fluorine, Opalite,
Fluorite, Rhodocroscite. etc., Fluorspar & Berylium Ore became the
colorful product. When smeltered, Berylium becomes the lightest weight
metal used in space, and for Computer chips, and in ceramics. The nodules
are found in the West Desert of Juab County, Utah.

TIGER'S EYE

Coming Soon

TOPAZ

Topaz is a common gemstone that has been used for centuries
in jewelry. Its golden brown to yellow color is classic but is confused
with the less valuable citrine, which is sold under the name topaz. The
blue topaz that is often confused with aquamarine is rarely natural and
is produced by irradiating and then heating clear crystals. Topaz is the
November Birthstone.
The structure of Topaz is controlled by a chain like structure of connected
irregular octahedrons. These octahedrons have an aluminum in the middle
surrounded by four oxygens. Above and below the aluminum are the hydroxide
or fluoride ions. The chains of octahedrons are held together by individual
silicate tetrahedrons but it is the octahedron chains that give topaz
its crystalline shape. Topaz is the hardest silicate mineral and one of
the hardest minerals in nature. However it has a perfect cleavage which
is perpendicular to the chains and is caused by planes that break the
weaker Al-O, Al-OH and Al-F bonds. None of the stronger Si-O bonds cross
these planes. Topaz crystals can reach incredible size of several houndred
pounds. Topaz can make very attractive mineral specimens due to their
high luster, nice colors and well formed and multifaceted crystals.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Color is clear, yellow, orange, red, blue and green.
Luster is adamantine to vitreous.
Transparency crystals are transparent to translucent.
Crystal System is orthorhombic; 2/m 2/m 2/m
Crystal Habits include a prismatic crystal with usually two different
prisms that produce a rounded or sharp diamond-shaped cross-section. The
termination is typically capped by a dome forming a roof like top. Another
dome can modify the termination producing a point at the juncture of the
two domes. A basal pinacoid can flatten the prisms termination or truncate
the top of the domes. The pinacoid, multiple domes and occassionally orthorhombic
pyramid faces can produce a complex, multifaceted and well formed termination.
Topaz can be granular and massive.
Cleavage is perfect in one direction, basal.
Fracture is conchoidal.
Hardness is 8.
Specific Gravity is approximately 3.4 - 3.5+ (above average)
Streak is white.
Associated Minerals include quartz, tourmalines, micas, brookite, cassiterite
and fluorite.
Other Characteristics: index of refraction is 1.61 - 1.64. Prism faces
maybe striated lengthwise.
Notable Occurrences include Minas Gerias, Brazil; Pakistan; San Diego
Co, California; Ural Mountains, Russia; Mexico and the Thomas Range, Utah.
Best Field Indicators are crystal habit, color, density and hardness.

TOURMALINE

Most people consider tourmaline to be a single mineral.
But in fact it is a group named for several different, but closely related
minerals. Members of the Tourmaline Group are favorites among mineral
collectors. Their rich and varied colors can captivate the eye. Even the
black opaque tourmalines can shine nicely and produce sharp crystal forms.
Tourmalines are cut as precious gems, carved into figurines, cut as cabochons,
sliced into cross-sections and natural specimens are enthusiastically
added to many a rock hound's collection.

There are many unique properties of tourmalines. First,
they are piezoelectric which means that when a crystal is heated or compressed
(or vibrated) a different electrical charge will form at opposite ends
of the crystal (an electrical potential). Conversely if an electrical
potential is applied to the crystal, it will vibrate. Secondly they are
pleochroic which means that the crystal will look darker in color when
viewed down the long axis of the crystal than when viewed from the side.
This property goes beyond the idea that the crystal is just thicker in
that direction. Even equally dimensioned crystals will demonstrate this
trait. This property can be used as an advantage by gem cutters who may
wish to enhance a crystal's pale color or weaken a strongly colored crystal.

The four most common and well known tourmalines are
distinguished by their color and transparencies. Elbaite is the gemstone
tourmaline and comes in many varied and beautiful colors. It is transparent
to translucent and is highly prized as minerals specimens and as gemstones.
Elbaite is easily the most colorful of all the gemstones.

The iron rich schorl is the most abundant tourmaline
and is black and opaque. It is a common accessory mineral in igneous and
metamorphic rocks and can form nice crystals. Although too opaque to be
used as a gemstone, schorl is used as an ornamental stone when found as
inclusions in quartz, a stone is called "tourmalinated quartz".
Usually when someone refers to tourmaline they are referring to either
elbaite or schorl.

The two other more common tourmalines; dravite and
uvite are much less common than elbaite or schorl, but they are getting
noticed for their beautiful specimens. Some of dravite's crystals are
nicely formed, translucent brown and they can reach a rather large size.
Uvite is a green translucent to opaque tourmaline that is growing in popularity
and is being cut as a gemstone.

The Tourmaline Group has a general formula of AX3Y6(BO3)3
Si6O18(O, OH, F)4. The A can be either calcium or sodium. The X can be
either aluminum, iron, lithium or magnesium. The Y is usually aluminum,
but can also be chromium or iron. Some potassium can be in the A position,
some manganese can be in the X position and some vanadium can be found
in the Y position, but these elements are usually not represented in the
formulas of the tourmaline members.

Turquoise has captivated man’s imagination
for centuries. The robin’s egg blue gemstone, worn by Pharaohs
and Aztec kings, is probably one of the oldest gemstones known.
There are archaeological as well as literary references that predate
the Christian era by five millennia. The four bracelets of Queen
Zar, found on her mummified arm, date to the second ruler of Egypt’s
First Dynasty, approximately 5500 BC Scholars believe the robe
worn by the High Priest Aaron was adorned with turquoise. Aristotle,
Pliny and other early writers refer to stones that must have been
turquoise.

Turquoise has been, since 200 BC, extensively
used by both southwest American Indian tribes and by many other
Indian tribes in Mexico. Archaeological evidence exists that the
prehistoric people, the Anasazi and Hohokam, mined turquoise at
Cerrillos and the Burro Mountains of New Mexico. Turquoise has
been, since 200 BC, extensively used by both

southwest American Indian tribes and by many other
Indian tribes in Mexico. Archaeological evidence exists that the prehistoric
people, the Anasazi and Hohokam, mined turquoise at Cerrillos and the
Burro Mountains of New Mexico. Kingman and Morenci turquoise from Arizona
was a popular trade item and has been found in archaeological sites hundreds
of miles away from these mines. Turquoise from Cerrillos mine in New Mexico
has been found with the Aztecs. The stone was used in religion, art, trade,
treaty negotiations as well as jewelry. Even today, it is still considered
as the stone of life, good fortune and symbol of wealth by our American
Indians and other cultures of the world.

Turquoise, chemically, is a hydrated phosphate of copper
and aluminum and is formed by the percolation of meteoric or groundwater
through aluminous rock in the presence of copper. For this reason, it
is often associated with copper deposits as a secondary mineral. Turquoise
is most often found in arid, semiarid or desert places such as Iran, Tibet,
China, Australia, Mexico, Russia, Turkestan and the southwest US

Turquoise gets its color from the heavy metals in the
ground where it forms. Blue turquoise forms when there is copper present,
which is the case with most Arizona turquoise. Green turquoise forms where
iron is present, the case with most Nevada turquoise. Matrix is the host
rock, mother rock. It can be made from several different elements such
as pyrite, chert, quartz, cuperite and manganese oxide. The sought after
spider web turquoise is made up of small nuggets naturally cemented together
with rock or matrix. When cut and polished the stone resembles a spider
web.

So many geologic chains of events must synchronize
to create just one thin vein of turquoise that the mineral can rightly
be envisioned as a fluke of nature. Turquoise
is the rare and improbable product of an incalculable number of chemical
and physical processes that must take place in the right combination and
proper environment over a time span of hundreds of thousands – if not
millions – of years.

VARISCITE

Variscite is pale green, dark green, bluish green or shades
of yellow to brownish red. Variscite is transparent to translucent.
Crystals of Variscite are uncommon but when they are found they
are typically pseudohexagonal. Normally Variscite is fine grained
massive. It may form nodules, crusts or it can be stalactitic
or it can form in veins. The uncommon crystals of Variscite
have 1 good and 1 poor cleavage directions. Massive varieties
have uneven to splintery fracture. Glassy varieties (more compact)
have conchoidal fracture. Variscite is the product of phosphatic
waters coming into contact with aluminum bearing rocks, e.g.,
in caves by the decay of guano. Variscite derived its name from
Variscia which is an old name for Vogtland, an area in Germany
which provided the first identified specimen. A less known stone
in the gem world, but as pretty or prettier then turquoise.
Variscite is often mistaken or sold as green turquoise.

WILD HORSE

Wild Horse is the name given to this stone, whose geological
name is magnesite which is a mixture magnesite/hematite. A fairly new
stone that was discovered in the mid-90's near the Globe copper mine in
the Gila wilderness area of southern Arizona. Some have called it Wild
Horse Turquoise but it is NOT turquoise! Since so far, there only seems
to be one source for Wild Horse and also because of it's beauty . . .
it has retains a high value and is a remarkably popular.

WONDERSTONE

Utah Wonderstone  Rhyolite is volcanic. This
particular variety was once a very fine volcanic ash. Through pressure
and time this ash became rock hard as the colorful chemicals such as iron
in the earth seeped through and swirled into a glorious design producing
a smooth texture for a soft, desireable cutting material. This wonderstone
is only found in the fishlake mountains of Utah near Salina, Utah, Sevier
county.

WAMPUM

Wampum is a quahog shell of deep purple swirls blending
into a white background, it is an absolutely beautiful! Wampum is a scarcity
because the majority of quahogs are all white and from a ton of shells,
only a few shells are large enough and purple enough to be jewelry-grade
material. Wampum was used by the Northeastern American Indians since the
17th century as currency. It was a symbol of wealth and power and was
used to sanctify marriage vows. This purple and white Quahog Clam Shell
is hard to find and harder to work and make into beads or cabs. Purple
wampum was worth twice as much as white.

ZOISITE

Zoisite, like all epidote minerals, is a structurally
complex mineral having both single silicate tetrahedrons, SiO4, and double
silicate tetrahedrons, Si2O7. The formula of zoisite could be expressed
in a such a way so as to reflect this organization; Ca2AlOAl2(SiO4)(Si2O7)(OH).
Zoisite has been known for nearly two centuries as as a sometimes ornamental
stone of limited distribution. Only in 1967 was the blue gemstone variety
found in Tanzania. The variety was named Tanzanite and was a surprise
to minerologists and gemologists alike in that it had come from a very
ungemstone-like mineral. The blue-lavender color of tanzanite is unique
and sets it apart from the other gemstones.

Besides tanzanite, zoisite has produced other attractive
specimens that are of interest to collectors. A pink variety called thulite
is usually massive and used for beads and cabochons. A brilliant green
variety is associated with medium grade rubies and is quite popular as
an ornamental stone. The red rubies are often distorted and irregularly
spread throughout the sea of massive green zoisite. It is one of the most
colorful of ornamental stones and competes well with the popular pink
tourmaline and lavender lepidolite of California.